Brazilian coach throws some shade at Giannis after his team topped Greece in the FIBA World Cup
JR Radcliffe
Brazilian coach Aleksandar Petrovic was awfully boastful after his team toppled Greece, a squad led by Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, in the FIBA World Cup on Tuesday in China, 79-78. Giannis had a rough game, fouling out in the fourth quarter and finishing with 13 points. He had as many fouls in the fourth quarter (2) as points and finished 0 for 1 from the field in that final period.
“Why this sport is wonderful?" Petrovic said in the postgame. "On the other side, you have a guy who won the MVP, he’s 23 years old and who stops him tonight? The guy who is 40 years old and kicks his ass on the court! That’s basketball!”
He was referring to 39-year-old Alex Garcia, who was tasked with defending Giannis. Petrovic hinted that watching the NBA playoffs gave him ideas for keeping Giannis in check.
Bill Simmons who, granted, did some unrelated whining during the USA game against Turkey, saved some criticism for Greece coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos.
Hey, at least Khris Middleton made two clutch free throws with 2.1 seconds left, lifting the USA to a 93-92 win over Turkey. Ersan Ilyasova's look at the buzzer didn't go in. Bucks everywhere!
JR Radcliffe can be reached at (262) 361-9141 or jradcliffe@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JRRadcliffe.